My passenger side hub spins, but not freely or smooth. I have a feeling it might be the wheel bearing, but I'm not sure. I have looked around the forum here looking for info, and I'm also unsure of what the races are, or how to tell if the other bearings are bad. Thanks in advance.
Alan

 

I can't help you on the diagnosis, but I can tell you what the race is. In lamen's terms, the race is the other half of what the bearings ride on. They call it a race most likely because it's in the shape of a high bank circular race track that the bearings "race" around. The race basically holds the bearing assembly in place and provides structure for the bearings to ride on.

 

Shaun is talking about 1217 & 1202.

 

alot of our trucks are still running around with factory bearings and grease in the front end, so it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to replace them anyways.

besides the best way to see if they are bad are to disassemble and inspect, but with it up on a jack they should spin somewhat freely (with hubs disengaged, or you will have to consider the resistance of spinning the axle and the amount of drag the brakes have) you should feel for rough spots where they feel like they are catching on something. check for side to side play (stick a screwdrivers in the vents 180 degrees apart and rock it back and forth, but don't get too wild with it) they should have a very small amount of movement to account for when they heat up and expand while going down the road.

on that note, if they are too tight your hub will get hot while driving, but warm-cool is ok.

also, during lane changes or long sweeping curves a really bad set will howl.

 

Well, I took the wheels off, and tried to spin the hubs on both sides. Drivers side is smooth. Passenger side has those rough spots all the way around. There is no play 12-6, 9-3. Also before I took it apart, in addition to tire noise, there was a droneing noise which was constant. When I took the locking mechinism off, there seemed to be not enough grease.

 

Assuming a 1984 F150 4x4 (which your username implies) here is an exploded diagram of the hub; a repair manual, or probably the repair guides on autozone.com, will instruct you on dis-assembly & reassembly.
.
.

 

Thanks ctubutis. Gives me a better idea of what's in it before I take it apart. This isn't a hard job, as long as I have the right tool right?

 

Yeah...

You need a spanner wrench, but I forget what size....

 

Would this be correct? NAPA AUTO PARTS

 

It looks like that, yes, but I'm not sure if the 2" size is what you need or not....

 

I know that autozone has the correct spanner available on thier loan a tool program, but any decent store should be able to at least show you the right tool.

 

Thanks for the help guys. Got the hub/rotor off the truck today. Found some rust, half water, half grease, and scored races. All new bearings, races and grease put back in and rides a hell of a lot better. One more project done!

 

cool beans! I should do mine when i get home as well...